Current Conditions:
The Upper Madison River is going to be a legit option for some of the best fishing of the year! The farther down river you go the more it is impacted by runoff from mountain tributaries so the water closer to Ennis may or may not be fishable on a given day. On the flip side the river near Hebgen and Quake lake is almost always a good option this time of year. Cabin and Beaver Creeks can produce sediment but often not enough to completely blow the river out. The West Fork at Lyons can pump in a lot of mud but the east bank of the river often stays good for several miles. Worms and big stoneflies are the ticket and it is mostly a nymphing game for a while.
The Month Ahead:
The next few weeks should continue to produce some good fishing. The Upper will begin clearing in a few weeks and the water closer to Ennis will also turn on. Often the week just before the salmon flies (and people) arrive is spectacular as the water is clearing and big trout are very opportunistic. Mid to Late June should be awesome on the Madison! One thing to note if you plan to float is Wolf Creek Bridge between Windy Point and Palisades becomes dangerous and sometimes impassable when the Cameron flows reach 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Best to avoid this section during this time of year if you are inexperienced or unfamiliar.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison is a very consistent fishery and this season should continue to produce good results up and down the river. With near average moisture levels over the winter the flows should be at normal levels. The Madison will be a safe bet all season long.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Upper Madison Flies Right Now:
Para Adams in size 12-22
Pat's Rubberlegs in coffee/black in size 6-10
Brown, olive, black, or tan Zurdle in size 8-12
BH Pheasant Tail in size 12-16
Beaded SJ Wormies in size 10
White Zonker in size 6
BH Prince in size 12-16
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